Despite the alarming rates at which justice-involved individuals experience trauma, there is great hesitancy to discuss and address trauma in prison-based programs for fear of re-traumatization and decompensation. Recently, a series of studies assessed the efficacy of trauma-specific interventions for incarcerated men and women. The quantitative results of these studies showed positive and consistent improvement in anger, aggression, and psychological well-being across multiple facilities, varying levels of custody, and models of delivery. This presentation will provide comprehensive information about the fundamental needs of justice-involved populations with histories of trauma, the implementation of gender- and trauma-responsive programs tailored to meet these needs, and the research supporting the efficacy of these services delivered in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The outcomes presented include rigorous studies on theoretically based programs such as: Healing Trauma: A Brief Six Session Intervention for Women, Exploring Trauma & Moving Beyond Violence: A Brief Six Session Intervention for Men, and Beyond Violence: A Prevention Program for Women and more. A Peer-Facilitated (i.e., residents serving long-term or life sentences) program model was implemented in each facility with oversight by a Program Coordinator. Given the aggregate negative impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represented in the lives of justice-involved men and women, the fields of both corrections and treatment can benefit from research that identifies effective services that reduce the cycle of violence and abuse.

 

Moderated by Luke Grant, Deputy Commissioner, Corrective Services New South Wales, Australia